Ethics and the governor’s race

Democrat Bill White says campaign contributions to people running for governor should be limited, although he hasn’t decided what the cap should be.

White talked about the idea at a news conference challenging GOP Gov. Rick Perry’s ethics in front of the building where the Texas Ethics Commission has its office.

Citing an analysis by Texans for Public Justice that showed Perry had received $17 million in campaign contributions from people he’s appointed from 2001 through June. He also said Perry has raised $790,000 more since then from appointees. White said donations from appointees should be capped at $10,000.

“Rick Perry’s been using state government like a political machine,” said White. “The governor’s office should not be for sale.”

As for across-the-board campaign contribution limits, White said there should be “bipartisan consensus” on what those should be. He didn’t give a number but when asked whether $1 million that Democrat Chris Bell got in 2006 was too much, White said, “My gut says, absolutely.”

Perry spokesman Mark Miner scoffed at White’s charges, saying Perry makes appointments based on qualifications and experience. Perry’s camp pointed to a report specifying White donations from appointees, and Miner singled out his appointment of donor David Wolff to head Houston Metro. He also referred to the BTEC deal, which White has defended as aboveboard.

“Bill White talking about ethics has about as much credibility as the Cowboys talking about the Super Bowl at this stage of the season,” Miner said. “He should start explaining his actions.”

Miner said it’s not surprising that Perry would appoint people “who share his philosophy and vision.” He said that the Legislature, House speaker and lieutenant governor share in overseeing the Emerging Technology and Enterprise funds, talking up their value in economic development.

Perry also said that Perry’s position on campaign contribution limits remains the same — that no limits are necessary as long as there is full disclosure.